The Dapper & Darling Team
The Heart of Dapper and Darling
The Dapper & Darling Team
Kailey Santos
Owner & Founder
My name is Kailey; wife, girlmama and proud owner of Dapper and Darling. I’m an avid lover of classic looks and sentimental design and reside in sunny Southern California.
My design journey began back in 2008 when I graduated from Northern Arizona University for visual communication and design aesthetic and began my professional journey through the design world. I understood composition, the why behind why certain text and images look fabulous together, and embraced color as a blessing. After graduating I took a job on the island of Hawai’i working with a passion-driven ministry as their lead designer. As I designed for them, I learned how to manage a business and handle the influx of the never-ending need for creative thought and solutions. In 2010 I took my first leap into the world of entrepreneurship, muster all the faith and magic I could, and tied it neatly into a bow laced with details of old and new silhouette artistry and Dapper & Darling® was born.
My sentimentality and passion intertwines through my day to day in the guise of old 1920s music and radio shows as well as antique finds scattered throughout my home. I’m disgustingly in love with never ending devotion to my adoring husband, Aaron and our beautiful girls, my rainbow baby Hanalei (6) and my littlest princess Gwendolyn (4). I’m a gloriously outspoken romantic and can find beauty & joy in anything. One very important aspect of my life and this business that makes me whole is my relationship with my Heavenly Father. He allows me to be and do more than I could ever do alone. He created in me the ability to create beauty with fevor and passion, and I take so much pride in being able to share that gift with so many people. Thank you for being here.
Job Title:
Catcher of orders, the gap closer, mamax3, southern belle
What do you love most about your position?
I love being in touch with our wonderful customers at every step of the order process. It’s so heart-warming to see the precious photos and the stories behind them – a true reminder that this is such a personal, treasured product.
What’s on your desk?
My desk is usually my MacBook on my lap – one of the only times a day I get to put my feet up. I’m usually running around after my three young children! But when I’m working, I’m definitely surrounded by baby monitors, vanilla iced coffee, crisp apples, and unsweetened iced tea (I’m trying to be good!)
Favorite quote or bible verse:
O love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
that in your ocean depths its flow
may richer, fuller be.
What would you eat a ton of if no one was watching?
I would eat nachos 24-7 if my family would let me!
Secret talent:
My secret talent is that I used to be a legislative nerd! In what feels like a previous lifetime right after graduation, I packed my 2 suits and moved to D.C. where I gave tours of the U.S. Capitol, responded to constituents, and advised a U.S. Congressman on policy areas including International Relations and Education. My mom used to watch for me on C-SPAN and was sad when I switched careers! A more embarrassing secret talent is my obsession with jigsaw puzzles – so calming, even if my family makes fun of me!
Favorite Watercolor Wash:
I love the Plumbery with the Solstice wreath that I had done for my girls. But now I’m obsessed with the look of the simple Twilight with the Dream Greens wreath.
Suzanne Glover
Order Compliance & Fulfillment
Pani Henry
Partner Coordinator
Job Title:
Partner Coordinator
What do you love most about your position?
Getting the opportunity to work with a group of amazingly talented humans!
What’s on your desk?
My computer and family photos.
Favorite quote or bible verse:
Proverbs 3:3-4
What would you eat a ton of if no one was watching?
Watermelon
Secret talent:
I can eat an entire large watermelon in one sitting.
Favorite Watercolor Wash:
Stormy
Meet Your Illustrators
Job Title:
Graphic Designer, Wife, Dog Mama, and Ice Cream Connoisseur
What do you love most about your position?
I love seeing these silhouettes that I put so much love into hanging in your home for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.
What’s on your desk?
Computer, iced coffee, my plant, watercolor galaxy I’ve been working on, pens, paintbrushes, and the occasional mug of ice cream! (Why a mug, you might ask? Because you have a handle to hold onto instead of freezing your fingers off! I hardly ever use bowls.)
Favorite quote or bible verse:
1 Corinthians 13:4-13 is my life verse. Always speak, act, walk, talk in love.
What would you eat a ton of if no one was watching?
Cookie dough, or ice cream, or both!
Secret talent:
I’m a budgeting queen. Seriously, I love talking about money and how to budget to reach your goals. It’s so fun! Also, I can say my ABC’s backward.
Favorite Watercolor Wash:
I love love love seafoam because it’s light and airy and beachy. But, I also love Plumberry because it’s the complete opposite. Dark, moody, and makes a statement.
Ashlee Binderim
Silhouette Illustration Artist
Janina Vida
Silhouette Illustration Artist
Job Title:
Silhouette Artist, Wife, Mama
What do you love most about your position:
I love being able to capture the essence of each subject. It’s those little details that makes each one of us uniquely special.
What’s on your desk?
My laptop, monitor, Wacom tablet, planner, sketchbook, pens, markers, and usually a baby monitor
Favorite quote or Bible verse:
“If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” -Maya Angelou
What would you eat a ton of if no one was watching?
Goldfish crackers. They pair surprisingly well with a glass of wine.
Secret Talent:
I can name almost any breed of dog. When I was a kid, I had a giant book of dog breeds that I studied for countless hours.
Favorite D&D Keepsake:
Absolutely the precious charms. Such treasures.
Job Title:
Wife, Busy Mama of three kids, Silhouette Illustrator, Creative Muralist, Graphic Designer
What do you love most about your position:
I love this amazing group of ladies that encourage and lift each other up. It’s an amazing thing to feel part of the dapper & darling team that enjoys what they are doing. Designing around beautifully shaped faces of God’s creation is a fun job to have!
What’s on your desk?
Luke warm re-heated coffee, my pen tablet, and lists of things to do, extra pacifier, paint brushes, random clutter.
Favorite quote or Bible verse:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7
When I feel overwhelmed, I breathe this verse in and out and know that God can help me though.
What would you eat a ton of if no one was watching?
French toast, orange juice and bacon!
Secret Talent:
I can wiggle my ears.
Favorite D&D keepsake or wash:
1/2 polished sterling silver precious charm. It’s just great for every day wear.
kathryn jordan
Silhouette Illustration Artist
Our beloved partners
Stacey Brantley
Paradise Laser Co.
Learn More About Stacey And Her Incredible Engraving Business See her stunning custom work at Paradise Laser co.be a social butterfly and follow her at: @paradiselaserco
Stacey Brantley
Paradise Laser Co.
Learn More About Stacey And Her Incredible Engraving Business See her stunning custom work at Paradise Laser co.be a social butterfly and follow her at: @paradiselaserco
Tell us about Paradise Laser Co!
Paradise Laser Co is a culmination of many years of making, creating and learning. I absolutely love the precision and detail of a finely crafted piece of art, and the laser makes that tangible for me. I’ve created everything from Jewelry, Home Decor, Leather Goods to fun things like intricate Paper Snowflakes and Wooden Puzzles! I’m so honoured to be D&D’s engraver. Those silhouettes are precious and I pour my love into each and every one of them!
What do you love most about working with D&D:
I love to see the unique features that make up each sweet face. The little curls, noses and chins. It’s amazing how much personality can be captured!
What’s on your desk?
I have three! Haha. One is my computer desk. I usually keep that one pretty neat with just my iMac, printer, shipping label printer and my planner. Then I have my laser desk, which has my laser and the laptop that runs it. The third one is my assembly desk where everything gets put together. Right now I’m working on jewelry, so there are findings, chains and pliers strewn about. You’re also guaranteed to find a cup of coffee on whichever desk I was last using. (Almost never hot… thanks kiddos)
Favorite quote or Bible verse:
One of my favorites is Hebrews 13:2. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have entertained angels. Hospitality is a huge part of my life and personality. My degree is in hospitality management, and I always try to take care of those around me. I love to have guests and treat them as treasured family members. Come on over, I’ll put the kettle on! (That’s the British side of me. Cups of tea for everyone!)
What would you eat a ton of if no one was watching?
I don’t see treat food as something to hide, and I’d be happy to share. Right now my fave snack is Carrot Hummus with cucumber slices. Yum!
Secret Talent:
Knowing all the words to every Disney song.
Favorite watercolor wash:
Oh my goodness. I think this totally depends on the silhouette, and where it will be displayed! If I had to pick one, I’d probably choose Greige because it looks great with every wreath and frame colour. For something brighter, Seafoam reminds me of paradise
Tell Us About Wild Spirit Development!
I’ve been working full time offering website development for small businesses since 2017, however, I’ve dabbled in website design since Myspace days. I’ve worked with clients from landscapers to wedding professionals, and everything in-between. I’ve taken to eCommerce businesses after working along side Kailey & her dapper & darling team as we grow D&D’s online storefront!
What do you love most about working with D&D:
I love how dedicated and heart led the entire team is. This isn’t just a “job” to the illustrators, or to the customer service team – this is their connection with other people. The love and care that I see everyone put into illustrations, and then into just the message D&D provides is unqiue, and very rarely seen – and done authentically!
What’s on your desk?
Iced Coffee, notebook for all my random ideas that come to mind, and some sort of snack I can munch on throughout the day.
Favorite quote or Bible verse:
Be a Resource Not a Sales Pitch
What would you eat a ton of if no one was watching?
Freeze dried skittles, they are addicting!
Secret Talent:
If I don’t know how to do something, I can usually use the powers of Google to figure it out!
Favorite D&D wash:
I love the classic black. I feel it makes all the fine intricate details stand out against the white background.
lauren russell
Website Developer & Web Master
Learn More About Lauren And what all she has to offer!. Follow her on IG: @lauren.wildspirit_dev
lauren russell
Wild Spirit Development
Website Developer & Web Master
Learn More About Lauren And what all she has to offer!. Follow her on IG: @lauren.wildspirit_dev
amy
Amy Captures Love
Learn More About Amy And Her beautiful photography business. See her talent and galleries at amy captures love and be a social butterfly by following her at: @amycaptureslove
amy jaspersen
Amy Captures Love
Learn More About Amy And Her beautiful photography business. See her talent and galleries at amy captures love and be a social butterfly by following her at: @amycaptureslove
Tell Us About Amy Captures Love!
Amy Captures Love is my photography business of almost 12 years located in Orange County, California. I specialize in the journey from marriage to motherhood and beyond! Just like the name says, I love to capture your love in every season of life with natural emotion, and a beautiful light and airy, film-like esthetic.
What do you love most about working with D&D:
I am a huge lover of D&D’s products. I wear my silhouettes and my mama heart charm proudly. I also vibe so well with Kailey and consider her not only a business partner but friend too. It was a God destined opportunity meeting her online years ago and I am always grateful I am asked to return each season to photograph D&D’s next awesome endeavor.
What’s on your desk?
Gosh, sadly, a huge stack of papers I’ve been neglecting, tons of SD cards, my beloved yearly calendar, my notebook, a USB doc, and a fan. Can’t forget my massive 20 inch editing monitor too. I can’t live without that but honestly my desk isn’t very exciting.
Favorite quote or Bible verse:
There are so many that I love and live by like Philippians 4:13 but Romans 8:38 stands out right now. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”
What would you eat a ton of if no one was watching?
Mini Monster Cookies from Corner Bakery.
Secret Talent:
I can touch the tip of my nose with my tongue. My mom and brother can too! Haha!
Favorite D&D wash:
Ooooo toss up between pink and gold because those colors are so on brand for me and my business but truly at the end of the day, I’m a classic black kind of girl.
